What’s the best dog food for supporting heart health?
Around 8 million dogs in the United States suffer from heart disease and roughly 95% of those are diagnosed later in life, so early detection and treatment is vital.
There are multiple types of heart disease including valvular degeneration and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but the causes of heart disease in dogs can vary depending on breed, size, age, and lifestyle.
If you suspect your dog may have a problem with their heart, seek advice from your veterinarian immediately. They will run tests to diagnose the issue and help to prepare a treatment plan to help manage the condition. In later stages of heart disease, this is usually to make your dog more comfortable rather than cure them.
Preventing heart disease in dogs can be difficult due to the varying causes, and in some cases such as congenital heart disease, it is impossible to prevent.
However, some dog foods have been formulated to promote your dog’s heart health. These recipes include:
- Added taurine
- Omega 1
- Fat levels under 20% DM
These foods are not a replacement for veterinary advice, but are a way of optimizing your dog’s diet to make sure it is not worsening the problem.
Below, we have compiled a list of the best dog food for heart health. You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about a dog’s heart health.
Best Dog Food For A Healthy Heart
September 2023
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for heart health for September 2023.
Farmina
Chicken & Pomegranate is one of 8 dry recipes included in our review of the Farmina Prime product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Fresh boneless chicken (26%), dehydrated chicken meat (25%), sweet potatoes, chicken fat, dried whole eggs
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Farmina Prime Chicken & Pomegranate recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37.4% protein, 19.8% fat and 34.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Sample buyer review… “Farmina is my favorite kibble to feed my five dogs. I feed both the grain-free and ancestral grains formulas in my rotation, topped with fresh foods and bone broth.”
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
Now Fresh
Turkey, Salmon & Duck is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Now Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: De-boned turkey, potatoes, peas, whole dried egg, potato flour
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Now Fresh Adult Recipe with Turkey, Salmon & Duck derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 17.8% fat and 45.3% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Sample buyer review… “We have been using this food for 5 years, my dog love it and it has kept her really healthy and happy.”
Taste Of The Wild
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild Dry product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from buffalo. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35.6% protein, 20% fat and 36.4% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Sample buyer review… “I have been feeding them Taste of the Wild for four years now. All dogs are healthy with shiny soft coats. They love the taste, and I feel good about geeding them a high quality food.”
Read more buyer reviews at TasteOfTheWild
Chewy
Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables is one of 16 dry recipes included in our review of the American Journey Active Life product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, rice bran, peas
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
American Journey Active Life Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27.8% protein, 16.7% fat and 47.6% estimated carbs… resulting a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
Sample buyer review… “Lucy seems quite pleased with our recent purchase of American Journey Active Life Formula Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables. We appreciate the healthy ingredients.”
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.Com
More Top Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about supporting a healthy heart:
Which breeds are most prone to heart problems?
Some breeds are more susceptible to developing heart problems or have a history of hereditary heart disease. Some of the breeds at a higher risk from heart problems are:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Daschund
- Miniature Poodle
- Doberman Pinscher
- Boxer
- Golden Retriever
- Scnauzer
- Great Dane
- Wolfhound
- Labrador Retriever
What are the symptoms of heart disease in dogs?
Dogs with heart problems will find everyday activities much more difficult. Symptoms your dog might have heart disease include:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing or panting
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Getting tired quickly on walks or during play
- Bloating of abdomen
- Weakness and/or collapse
- Back leg weakness or paralysis
What is the treatment for heart disease in dogs?
Treatment for heart disease in dogs depends on what type of heart problem they have, what has caused it, and what stage of heart disease your dog is in. If your dog is in the early stages, your veterinarian will most likely want to monitor the condition and ask you to return for regular check-ups.
Common treatments for heart disease in dogs include medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery.
It is also worth noting that most heart disease cannot be cured as it is progressive, so treatment is a way of slowing the condition and reducing symptoms and discomfort
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